First Peoples: KWEKWINMUT Pieces of the Past
First Nations
Since time immemorial, this region has been home to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and shíshálh Nation (Sechelt Nation). For millennia, both Nations have thrived here, creating rich cultures celebrated for a deep connection to place and understanding of the coastal landscape. Stone tool artifacts found on the present-day Sunshine Coast date upwards of 10,000 years before present and represent a continuous occupation of this area. For both the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and shíshálh Nations, their territory is considered unceded, meaning that no official treaty was ever signed allowing for the transfer of lands to the federal or provincial governments. Preceding the colonization of their traditional territories by European settlers, small pox ravaged both Nations close to the point of extinguishment. The disease was brought to the continent by settlers in various waves from the 1600s - 1800s. As recognized in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, residential schools were then created by the government "for the purpose of separating Aboriginal children from their families, in order to minimize and weaken family ties and cultural linkages, and to indoctrinate children into a new culture." The long-lasting effects of colonialism are felt today by all First Nations across Canada. Despite the unimaginable cultural trauma experienced by the First Nations through colonization, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and shíshálh people continue to thrive in their traditional territories, demonstrating a great resilience and generosity of spirit.
Visit tems swiya Museum in Sechelt, BC and the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre in Whistler, BC to explore world-class exhibits featuring the rich and diverse histories and present-day activities of the Nations.
Since time immemorial, this region has been home to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and shíshálh Nation (Sechelt Nation). For millennia, both Nations have thrived here, creating rich cultures celebrated for a deep connection to place and understanding of the coastal landscape. Stone tool artifacts found on the present-day Sunshine Coast date upwards of 10,000 years before present and represent a continuous occupation of this area. For both the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and shíshálh Nations, their territory is considered unceded, meaning that no official treaty was ever signed allowing for the transfer of lands to the federal or provincial governments. Preceding the colonization of their traditional territories by European settlers, small pox ravaged both Nations close to the point of extinguishment. The disease was brought to the continent by settlers in various waves from the 1600s - 1800s. As recognized in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, residential schools were then created by the government "for the purpose of separating Aboriginal children from their families, in order to minimize and weaken family ties and cultural linkages, and to indoctrinate children into a new culture." The long-lasting effects of colonialism are felt today by all First Nations across Canada. Despite the unimaginable cultural trauma experienced by the First Nations through colonization, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and shíshálh people continue to thrive in their traditional territories, demonstrating a great resilience and generosity of spirit.
Visit tems swiya Museum in Sechelt, BC and the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre in Whistler, BC to explore world-class exhibits featuring the rich and diverse histories and present-day activities of the Nations.
ON EXHIBIT
Kwekwínmut: Skwxwú7mesh-ulh
Smánitmut, tiná7 ta Ch’kw’elhp iy Schen’k / Pieces of the Past: Squamish Stone
Artifacts from Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k, is a collaborative exhibit that features ancient Squamish
pieces from the Museum’s collection of stone tools. The collection represents
the Early, Middle and Late periods of Northwest Coast archaeological sequence
and come from a range of site types, from permanent Squamish villages to
seasonal camps. These primordial objects exemplify the material expression of
Squamish culture and provide insight into Squamish ways of knowing. Co-curator Damara
Jacobs-Morris (Squamish), believes this exhibit allows visitors a chance to
explore both the function and cultural significance of the stone pieces. Kwekwínmut
/ Pieces of the Past is
presented in the Skwxwù7mesh snichim (Squamish language) and
English. Visitors have to opportunity to hear Squamish being spoken in the
exhibit’s soundscape piece that includes oral history interviews and the
telling of the Squamish Origin legend.
Deborah Jacobs, Squamish Nation Education Department Head and member of the Exhibit Advisory Committee comments, “The land evokes a connection to Squamish place and provides our spirit with a rich landscape. You may come to value and understand the narrative that Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k provide our humanity in a complex world.”
Deborah Jacobs, Squamish Nation Education Department Head and member of the Exhibit Advisory Committee comments, “The land evokes a connection to Squamish place and provides our spirit with a rich landscape. You may come to value and understand the narrative that Ch’kw’elhp and Schen’k provide our humanity in a complex world.”
